# How to Tell When a Coconut Is Ripe
With the hard outer shell so completely hiding the delicate meat inside, selecting a ripe coconut can seem like a bit of a mysterious venture. If the thick husk is still clinging to the nut, the task becomes even more complex. Both mature coconuts and young ones can be used raw or in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. Once you learn how to identify a mature coconut from a young one, you will be able to purchase these tropical treats with complete confidence.
Instructions
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Examine the thick outer husk of the coconut if it is still attached. The husk of a young coconut is green and turns yellow to dark tan as it ripens. The husk of a mature coconut can be easily peeled away.
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Select peeled coconuts with a dark brown shell. The coconut should feel heavy for its size.
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Press your thumb gently against the three "eyes" on the bottom of the nut. They should feel dry and slightly soft compared to the hard shell. Check the entire shell for signs of mold.
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Hold the coconut to your ear and shake it. In a mature coconut, you will hear the liquid sloshing around freely. The more liquid, the fresher the coconut.
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